By Our Correspondent
As the 2025 National Sports Federation Elections approach, tensions are rising within the cricket community, particularly following a petition submitted by the Bayelsa Cricket Association (BCA) to the National Sports Commission (NSC). The BCA has expressed serious concerns regarding the adoption of what it deems an illegal constitution by the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF).
In its petition, referenced as BCA/BYSSC/CON/RT/001, the BCA alleges that there is a deliberate attempt to manipulate the upcoming NCF Board elections to favour specific individuals, thereby disenfranchising genuine stakeholders and aspirants from participating in the electoral process.
The petition, signed by BCA Chairman Pakribo Telema-Daregoe, was addressed to Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NSC Chairman, with copies sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Habu Gumel.
The BCA’s concerns centre around the NCF’s adoption of a constitution under the leadership of Uyi Akpata, which they argue does not align with best practices in electoral governance. The association emphasizes that the NCF, as an affiliate of both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the NSC, is obligated to adhere to established guidelines in conducting its elections.
“The NSC is tasked with developing sports policies and overseeing sports federations, including the NCF, which falls under its jurisdiction,” the petition states. “Historically, elections for all sports federations have been conducted by the NSC in accordance with its established rules and regulations.”
The BCA further asserts that while the ICC does not interfere in the internal affairs of its member countries, the NSC retains the authority to regulate and promote sports at all levels. The petition highlights concerns regarding what it describes as “underhand tactics” employed by Akpata in his unilateral decision to present a constitution that lacks transparency and acceptability among key stakeholders in the Nigerian cricket community.
The petitioners reference a previous incident in July/August 2021, when the Edo State Cricket Association, through Akpata, petitioned the NOC to prevent then-NCF President Yahaya Ukwenya from utilizing the same constitution that is now being proposed for the upcoming elections. “The constitution that was rejected in 2021 has suddenly become a prerequisite for the electoral process in 2025,” they noted.
In light of these concerns, the BCA has urged the NSC Chairman to intervene and halt the unilateral adoption of the contested constitution to ensure fairness in the electoral process. “The core value of cricket is respect for one another, a principle that has fostered unity within the cricket community,” the BCA stated. “We implore you to use your esteemed position to prevent the overreaching ambitions of one individual who has ascended to power at the expense of vulnerable supporters.”
It has been reported that the NCF board elections are scheduled for September 21 in Abuja. A member of the cricket community, who requested anonymity, emphasized the importance of adhering to NSC guidelines for the conduct of the NCF elections, stating, “Cricket is not an Olympic sport for us, and therefore the NCF cannot conduct its board elections outside the NSC’s established guidelines. This is essential for maintaining peace in a sport with the potential to bring joy to Nigerians. “The source stated.
